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The John Report: WWE Smackdown Live 03/12/19 Review

This week on Smackdown, they have advertised the team of the Hardy Boyz, Ricochet and Aleister Black vs. The Bar and Rusev/Nakamura. Plus, Shane McMahon explains his heel turn actions from Fastlane and everyone’s crazy grandpa Vince McMahon addresses Kofi Kingston’s future.

Live from Dayton, Ohio, this is Smackdown Live for episode #1021. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport. If you want to support us at TJRWrestling, here’s a Donate Link for our Paypal where anything you send will go towards building the site. I recently lost a freelance writing job at another website due to budget cuts. If you can help in some way, I appreciate it. Thank you. Thanks to Melo Man for the banner up top.

Let’s Hear from Shane McMahon
The show began with Shane McMahon making his entrance to boos. The WWE World Cup trophy was in the ring. The fans booed Shane and chanted “you suck” at him. Shane brought ring announcer Greg Hamilton into the ring and ordered him to say something. Greg said “Ladies and Gentlemen, the Best in the World, Shane McMahon!” Shane grabbed Greg by the face and told him to do it again. When Greg did it again, Shane told him to do it one more time with conviction. Greg was very loud when he said and the fans booed Shane. Shane told Greg that was fine, so Greg left the ring.
Shane said that he is sick of it and he’s tired of all the people that have ever been in his life. Shane said he’s not just talking about all of the superstars in his life or the thousands of WWE employees. He spoke about all the people that have asked him to try to get ahead in life. He said people ask him about things like stock options while people ask what he can do for them and that stopped on Sunday when he beat the holy hell out of Miz in his hometown. Shane said he is not the Best in the World because he was a trophy or because he became Tag Team Champions. Shane said he was Best in the World because he was born that way. Shane claimed that from this point forward, he’s going to do things for him. Shane said that the sweet thing is that the last thing Miz saw was Shane choking him out in front of dad’s potato face and Shane claimed it felt so good. Shane said that attack on Miz set off a spark in him that’s never going away, so get used to it. Shane wanted to Miz to listen up while saying that at the end of the day, Miz works for him.
Shane said that he enjoyed beating Miz’s ass and he’s going to continue that at WrestleMania. There was barely a reaction for that. Shane told Miz to get ready for another Best in the World beating and Shane said it's going to feel…awesome. He dropped the microphone and left.Analysis: It was a solid heel promo from Shane talking about how he enjoyed beating up Miz on Sunday. I think Shane has historically been a better performer as a heel, especially when it comes to promos. Some of his face promos bored me, so seeing him back in the heel role for the first time in over a decade is a welcome sight. The match against The Miz at WrestleMania has been expected for months, so it’s official now. I think Miz should win at WrestleMania since he’s the full time guy and also as revenge for what Shane did to him.

Aleister Black made his entrance for an eight-man tag team match.
(Commercial)
The teams finished their intros after the break and the match began.

Ricochet, Aleister Black and The Hardy Boyz (Matt and Jeff Hardy) vs. The Bar (Sheamus and Cesaro), Rusev (w/Lana) and Shinsuke Nakamura
The heel side are all non-Americans. The Un-Americans are back! Just kidding. There were some quick tags early on to get several guys in there for some spots. The Hardys hit double team leg drops on Sheamus. Cesaro distracted Jeff, that led to a cheap shot from Sheamus and Cesaro tagged back in with a leg drop on Jeff. Rusev worked Jeff with some punches to the ribs against the turnbuckle. When Jeff tried to break free, Rusev pulled him down by grabbing Jeff’s hair. There were more quick tags from the heel side and then Jeff hit a jawbreaker on Rusev. Ricochet got the tag, he jumped over Rusev’s back, headscissors takeover and a dropkick. Ricochet with a boot to the face of Nakamura on the apron, but when Ricochet went for a springboard attack, Rusev kicked Ricochet to send the high flyer to the floor.
(Commercial)
The match returned with Ricochet hitting a back body drop on Sheamus over the top to the floor. Cesaro tagged back in, Ricochet with a back body drop on him and Matt got the hot tag. Matt sent Cesaro head first into the turnbuckle leading to “Delete” chants. Jeff tagged back in, then the Hardys hit their double team Poetry in Motion in the corner followed by Matt hitting a Side Effect. Sheamus with a Brogue Kick on Hardy, Black with a kick on Sheamus, Rusev kick on Black, Ricochet with a missile dropkick on Rusev, Nakamura with a kick on Rusev and then Jeff got back into the mix with a Twist of Fate on Cesaro. Jeff went up top and hit a Swanton Bomb, but the other heels broke up the pin. That led to a brawl with the eight guys. The New Day trio went down to the ring to brawl with other teams, so that led to a DQ finish after 11 minutes.Match Result: No ContestAnalysis: **3/4 It was a fun match while it lasted. Non-finishes suck and people are going to complain about it, but I can see why WWE did it. It makes sense given what happened to Kofi Kingston at Fastlane when he was put in a 2 on 1 match where he got his ass kicked. It fit the storyline. I can see this leading to some multi-team match at WrestleMania for the Smackdown Tag Team Titles, but I’m not sure how many teams will be a part of it. A four way makes the most sense.

After the match, New Day took out their frustrations by attacking everybody at ringside. Big E whipped Sheamus into the steel steps. Big E drove Cesaro back first into the barricade. Woods hit a running knee attack on Nakamura. Kingston followed up with a Trouble in Paradise kick on Rusev as well. The announcers put this over as the New Day taking out their frustrations on the other teams.Analysis: That was interesting. New Day has a happy attitude most of the time, but as I noted above, it makes sense to see them pissed off like this. The crowd was into this attack.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKcfQ8CenGQ

The Usos, who are the Smackdown Tag Team Champions, were shown backstage talking while on some stairs. They talked trash about the other Smackdown tag teams. They said this is a warning shot to the other teams and said welcome to the Uso Penitentiary to end it.Analysis: It was just a quick promo from the champs.
Randy Orton was up next to boos mostly, but there were some cheers too.
(Commercial)Let’s Hear from Randy Orton and AJ Styles
Randy Orton said that he’s got something to get off his chest. Orton noted that in 2002, AJ Styles was wrestling in high school gyms while Orton was debuting in WWE. Orton said that in 2004, Styles was shaking hands with opponents (in ROH) while Orton was the youngest World Champion in WWE history. Orton said in 2005 while AJ was getting a tan and hanging out with Dixie Carter (in TNA Wrestling), Orton was wrestling The Undertaker at WrestleMania. Orton ran off the years noting that he’s been there while adding that this is the house that Randy Orton built. Here’s AJ Styles with the interruption.
AJ Styles got into the ring with Orton. Styles said for somebody that looks down on the indies, Randy did follow AJ's career closely. Styles said that he did come from the indies and he’s damn proud of it. Styles noted that guys like Orton weren’t made for his world because he was built for WWE while Styles said that Orton never would have made it in his world. Styles mocked the Orton pose and said he had a “knockoff Diamond Cutter.”
Orton noted that Styles and his indy pals ripped people off while doing the “Too Sweet” hand gesture of the Kliq. Styles said that the indy pals are all over WWE and they earned their spot in WWE rather than use their daddy to help them get to WWE. Styles noted that Orton had help with Triple H, Ric Flair and Batista to make sure he was taken care of. Orton talked about by 2004 he already did more than most people in this business while adding he was a 13-time World Champion, he won two Royal Rumbles, he main evented WrestleManias and every other PPV. Styles brought up Orton getting help with Evolution, Legacy, Rated RKO and the Wyatt Family while Styles said that Orton has had a lot of babysitters. Styles said that he is not going to be Randy’s next victim. Randy said that AJ had no choice and AJ doesn’t get to choose. Randy said that this is his house, he’s the landlord, rent is due and Styles can make that check out to most dangerous three letters in sports entertainment…RKO.

Styles said if Orton wants his rent, come and take it…Styles pointed at the WrestleMania sign. They had a staredown. Orton left without a physical confrontation.Analysis: That was excellent. Each guy dropped some “truth bombs” as some people might say because everything Orton said about Styles was true and Styles did well with his comebacks as well. Orton has accomplished a lot in his career and did a lot early on too. He was a World Champion at 24 years old, which is impressive. Styles mentioning that indy wrestlers are all over WWE was also a very valid point. When you can have a promo where both guys speak the truth like that, it’s easier for the audience to get into it. The WrestleMania match has been obvious for a few months, so I’m glad they had Styles issue the challenge here. They have both been a part of Smackdown since the brand split in July 2016, but they have not had a PPV singles match. Their only televised singles match was in March 2017. I believe they have wrestled at house shows in singles matches too. Anyway, it should be a pretty good match at WrestleMania and I think it’s smart of WWE to save that first PPV encounter for the biggest show of the year.

The announcers mentioned Harlem Heat will be inducted into the 2019 WWE Hall of Fame this year. That was announced on Monday.

Asuka made her entrance with the Smackdown Women’s Championship around her waist.
(Commercial)PLUG TIME: Here’s my WWE Raw Deal review from Monday night. There were some good promos, an entertaining main event match and some solid building to WrestleMania…The WWF in 2000 section on TJRWrestling is the home for my reviews of every Raw, Smackdown and PPV from my favorite year in WWE, which was 2000. I’m into April now and on the road to Backlash 2000, which was an outstanding show. I’ll get the next Raw episode up in a day or two. It’s the Raw episode where Chris Jericho beat Triple H for the WWE Title and then had it taken away. It was a memorable moment in Raw history…Lastly, I want to thank Jim and Clarissa of the X-Pound crew for reading all my reviews and supporting my work for many years. Thank you for that.
Sonya Deville made her entrance as Asuka’s opponent. Mandy Rose was with Sonya. Images were shown from Fastlane when Rose slipped on the ring skirt after Deville tried to help her.

Asuka vs. Sonya Deville (w/Mandy Rose)
This is not for Asuka’s Smackdown Women’s Title.
Asuka was aggressive early on with kicks to the chest. Deville got a rollup for two. Asuka went for a missile dropkick off the middle ropes, Deville moved and Deville hit a Spear for a two count. Deville with a knee to the ribs of Asuka for two. Asuka came back with a lifting knee followed by a running kick to send Deville out of the ring. Asuka kicked Rose down after Deville moved. When Deville was on the apron, Mandy pulled on the ring apron and Sonya slipped. Asuka kicked Deville. Asuka slapped on the Asuka Lock submission on Deville and Deville tapped out to give Asuka the win after about three minutes.Winner by submission: Asuka Analysis: * The execution of that finish was not acted well by Sonya and Mandy. I think the idea was that Mandy did it on purpose and Sonya realized it, but they didn’t make it look believable enough. Asuka’s rumored WrestleMania opponent is Lacey Evans although I could also see them doing a multi-woman match.

After the match, Mandy tried to apologize for it and Sonya acted like she knew Mandy did that on purpose.Analysis: The turn is coming and they are likely to be split up post WrestleMania in the Superstar Shakeup. I think that's a mistake, but WWE likely wants to push Mandy as a solo act and possibly as a face.
The IIconics duo of Peyton Royce and Billie Kay did a backstage pre-tape promo. They talked trash about Sasha Banks and Bayley. They told them to come to Smackdown Live to defend the Women’s Tag Team Titles against them because the future is iconic.
Becky Lynch made her entrance with the damn crutch and Lynch tossed it to the side. Lynch did not have a knee brace on the left knee. Lynch received a big pop from the crowd as she posed in the ring.Analysis: I’m glad that Lynch has ditched the crutch. They need to say she’s 100% going into WrestleMania. Enough with the worked injuries for support. They are not needed at this point.

(Commercial)
Becky Lynch waited in the ring as a replay aired from Fastlane showing Lynch’s win over Charlotte Flair thanks to Ronda Rousey. They also showed some of Ronda Rousey’s promo from Raw and edited in louder boos from the crowd. The crowd did boo her, but not as loud as in this video.

In less than four weeks time at WrestleMania, it’s Ronda Rousey defending the Raw Women’s Championship against Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair.Let’s Hear from Becky Lynch
Becky Lynch said that it feels good to walk down that ramp on her own two feet for a change. Lynch said that everybody got brave when she was injured, suspended, arrested and then out of the biggest match of her career, but “The Man” is back. Lynch said she is back on her own two feet and back in the main event of WrestleMania. Lynch said that this is the match she set in motion while saying that she picked Ronda Rousey while Charlotte Flair was shoehorned in there by Vince McMahon. Lynch said that she had to get in the match by winning the Royal Rumble and then playing Ronda Rousey like a fiddle.
Lynch said that it’s hard to play mind games on a woman with no brain, but she did it. Lynch said that she got “Ronnie” so wound up and called Rousey a little weirdo. Lynch said she’ll repay Rousey by ripping her arm off and taking her title at WrestleMania. Lynch said that at WrestleMania, she is reclaiming everything that they have taken from her to give to somebody else.

Charlotte Flair made her entrance to boos and she was in street clothes. Flair slowly walked down the ramp as she congratulated Lynch for making it in her main event. Flair said it was the golden girl’s main event. Flair said that while Lynch was out, she has put in all the work and her resume speaks for itself. Flair said that Lynch has been hot for six months, but Flair has been hot for four years. Flair noted that she was chosen to get the job done. Flair claimed that the fans felt sorry for Lynch like Flair felt sorry for her this past Sunday. Flair said that no matter how she tries to spin it, Lynch got a handout. Flair claimed that Lynch has done so little and takes credit for so much while Flair said that she’ll make Lynch and Rousey relevant again when they bow down to the Queen. Flair said she’s Miss WrestleMania.
Lynch said that Flair controlled the division for four years and did nothing with it while Lynch came along and now they are in the main event of WrestleMania. Good point! Lynch said we don’t need a queen, we need The Man. Lynch dropped the microphone and had a staredown with Flair.Analysis: It was a good promo exchange from longtime rivals Lynch and Flair. They didn’t say anything that interesting although I like the way Lynch delivered some of her lines that drew some laughs. You can tell she’s having a lot of fun out there. The part about Rousey being dumb and playing her like a fiddle was well delivered. Flair did well with her cocky heel promo, but it felt like the same things she says most weeks. I’m just glad the match is official now after some ridiculous twists and turns along the way.

Still to come is Vince McMahon presenting a WrestleMania option to Kofi Kingston.
Kayla Braxton was backstage outside the McMahon Family office when Daniel Bryan and Erick Rowan walked out of the room. Kayla asked what Bryan was doing in the room. Bryan said that it was a private meeting. Bryan claimed that McMahon put Bryan and Rowan in a match against Mustafa Ali and Kevin Owens.Analysis: There’s a likely main event for the show after over one hour of content.

Rey Mysterio made his entrance to a good pop from the crowd. He’s in a tag team match after a break.
(Commercial)
The other guys in the tag team match finished their entrances.Analysis: They originally advertised Samoa Joe vs. R-Truth for the US Title, but plans always change, pal.

Rey Mysterio and R-Truth (w/Carmella) vs. Samoa Joe and Andrade (w/Zelina Vega)
Mysterio used his speed to send Andrade into the middle ropes. Mysterio wanted a 619 on Andrade, but Joe got the tag and lifted Mysterio into the air and slammed him hard into the mat. Joe tossed Mysterio out of the ring as the show went to a break.
(Commercial)
The match returned after a brief break with Andrade hitting two vertical suplex on Mysterio, but Rey came back with a sunset flip Powerbomb. When Vega tried to prevent Mysterio from tagging out, Carmella pulled Vega down. Truth got the hot tag and hit shoulder tackles on Andrade, the spinning slam and a fist drop by Truth. Joe tagged himself in, Truth with a jumping kick to the head, Mysterio made the tag and hit a missile dropkick on Joe after Joe kicked Truth down. Mysterio sent both opponents into the ropes and hit a 619 kick on both guys. Mysterio with a Frog Splash on Andrade and Joe hit a senton on Mysterio. Joe went for a slam, but Mysterio rolled through and pinned Joe for the pinfall win after seven minutes. Joe kicked out right after the three count to show that it was close.Winners by pinfall: Rey Mysterio and R-TruthAnalysis: *** It was very good for the time given. These guys work very well together. I liked the last few minutes with a lot of action taking place and Mysterio finding a way to get the win. The win by Mysterio could set him up for a WrestleMania match with Joe, but I could also see that becoming a multi-man match as well.

After the match, Mysterio went up the ramp to celebrate the win. Joe grabbed Truth and hit a uranage slam on him. Joe also hit a uranage slam on Andrade as well. Joe had an intense look on his face.

Analysis: It gets some heat back for Joe after a tough loss.
They showed the video of Alexa Bliss announcing herself as the host of WrestleMania.Analysis: We are supposed to think that’s a big deal, but it’s a downgrade from being in a title match like she was in last year. At least she’s a great talker and looks like a star. She’s cool with me.

Kevin Owens entered for his tag team match after a break.
(Commercial)
The other guys in the tag team match made their entrances.

Daniel Bryan and Rowan vs. Kevin Owens and Mustafa Ali
Owens knocked down Bryan with an elbow splash and a senton. Bryan tagged out and brought in the big man Rowan, who ran over Owens with a running shoulder tackle. Ali tagged in, kick to the face of Rowan and Rowan took out Ali with a running cross body block on Ali. Rowan kicked Owens off the apron as Ali became the face in peril. Bryan hit Ali with a headbutt followed by a chinlock. Running back elbow by Bryan followed by a snap suplex. There’s a commercial break.
(Commercial)
The match returned Rowan slamming Ali into the turnbuckle as the heels remained in control. Bryan had Ali on the top rope with him and Bryan hit a double underhook suplex off the top for a two count. That looked great. Bryan slapped on the LeBell Lock on Ali, but Ali managed to break by getting to the ropes. Bryan hit Ali with two uppercuts to the chest. Ali broke free with a dropkick after Bryan threw him into the air. Ali hit a backstabber to Bryan for a two count as Rowan made the save. Owens tried a Stunner on Rowan, but Rowan blocked it and Owens with a superkick on Rowan. Ali and Owens with a double superkick on Rowan. Owens on the apron, Rowan tripped him up and whipped Owens into the barricade. Bryan and Ali exchanged nearfalls. Rowan got the tag, he grabbed Ali by the head and slammed him into the mat for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.Winners by pinfall: Daniel Bryan and Rowan

They showed replays of the finish. Phillips said that move from Rowan is called the Iron Claw, so it’s nice to have a name for it.Analysis: *** It was a good match although the crowd wasn’t into it much at all. I thought the finish was booked well with Rowan getting the win for his team, which is not what I expected. I thought Rowan was going to be the on that got beat, but they decided to book Bryan and Rowan to win, which is the smarter thing to do. I think Owens and Ali were fine as Bryan’s opponents for Fastlane and this week as well. It’s time to move on to Bryan vs. Kingston with WrestleMania on the horizon.

When Daniel Bryan exited with Rowan, Vince McMahon’s music started up and Vince walked down to the ring for some WrestleMania opportunity to Kofi Kingston. That led to a break.

Analysis: The format for Smackdown has been consistent all night. An individual enters for a match or promo, they go to break and pick up where it left off. I like it that way although it does feel repetitive too.
(Commercial)Let’s Hear from Vince McMahon
Vince: “I’m here tonight to give you what you want.” Heels lie! Vince said that he’s here tonight to give Kofi Kingston the opportunity to compete for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania. Vince cued up the video package from Fastlane.

There was a video package about Fastlane that showed Kofi Kingston getting his ass kicked by The Bar in a 2 on 1 match.
Vince said that Kofi Kingston and people like you (the fans) hear what you want to hear. Vince claimed that Kofi wouldn’t be in the triple threat match, but he made the match and he did. Vince said that when he says things, you better listen because what he does is gives us teachable moments. The New Day’s music hit.
Kofi Kingston made his entrance with his New Day buddies Big E and Xavier Woods entered to a good pop from the crowd. No pancakes from them. They had serious looks on their faces.

Big E spoke first saying if he’s being honest, they are not in a mood for Vince to teach them a damn thing. Vince told Big E to watch his mouth. Woods said they are done watching what they say. Big E spoke about how they do everything for WWE, even flying to India on a promotional tour for WWE and Vince. Woods said that they never buck the system, they never complain and never threaten to leave when they don't get what they want, yet Vince treats them like garbage. Big E yelled about how Kofi has been there for 11 years grinding, Kofi deserves better and he deserves more, which drew cheers.
Vince said that Kofi doesn’t deserve anything and neither do these people. Vince said that they don't deserve anything, neither does he. Vince said that he created Smackdown, Raw and WrestleMania while saying that nobody deserves anything.
Big E said this is bigger than their opinion, it’s bigger than New Day and it’s bigger than Vince’s ego. Vince said there is nothing bigger than his ego. Xavier said that they deserve because they earn. Xavier said that Kofi has defeated men that were WWE Champion and that is WWE Champion yet Kofi didn’t get his opportunity at the WWE Championship, which is one of many reasons why Kingston deserves a match for the WWE Title. Big E said that the WWE Universe demands that Kofi gets an opportunity to compete for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania, which led to loud “Kofi” chants.

Vince said that he wishes that Kofi did deserve this. Vince said that he has known Kofi for a long time and he’s a good judge of talent. Vince said that if Kofi was worthy of being in a championship match, it would have happened a long time ago. Vince talked about Kofi being an impressive performer that is great in the Royal Rumble and recent matches like the Chamber and gauntlet. Vince said that one day, Kofi will be in the Hall of Fame, but he won’t go in by himself because he’ll go in as a part of New Day. Some fans booed. Vince noted that Kofi is smart because he’s got two young bucks (wink, wink) around him to do the work and he takes the glory. Vince said he doesn't have anything against that. Vince said that he wishes Kofi was up to par, but he’s not just championship material. Vince said that he was speaking to Daniel Bryan in the backstage area and Bryan hit it on the mark when he said that Kofi is a good B+ player.Analysis: Five years ago, Triple H and Stephanie called Bryan a B+ player, so now Bryan is calling Kingston that, which is a nice wink at some past history. The "young bucks" line was interesting too.

Kofi finally spoke up to say that he’s not asking for a free ride, or a handout and he’s not demanding a WWE Championship match at WrestleMania. Kofi said that 11 years ago he was a kid with a dream, that dream has come true, he provides a great life for his family and he loves entertaining the WWE Universe. Kofi said that he would like to think over some point over that 11 year period that he has proven to Vince that he is worthy, but Vince doesn’t see it that way. Kofi said he doesn’t complain about anything even though he busts his ass every week while other people get opportunities because Vince thinks they are more worthy. Kofi noted that he misses special moments like weddings, birthdays and he has never been trick or treating with his kids because he’s in WWE. Kofi mentioned that his son lost his first tooth two days ago, but Kofi wasn’t there because he was here in WWE (at a live event). Kofi said that he never complains about people Vince puts ahead of him, the time he spent away or that Vince has never allowed somebody like him to compete or contend for the WWE Title. Kofi said that he has never complained and he is not going to start complaining. Kofi said he wants Vince to tell him what he needs to do so that he can do it. Kofi added that these people (the fans) believe in him, which drew cheers.

Randy Orton’s music hit to interrupt this promo. Vince said that all Kofi has to do is beat Randy Orton and then he’s going to the promise land.
Samoa Joe also showed up and he stood on the stage next to Orton. Vince said Kofi had to beat them.
The Bar duo of Cesaro and Sheamus also appeared on the stage. Vince said Kofi had to beat them.
Rowan was up next on the stage with Daniel Bryan beside him.
Vince said that Kingston said that he had to beat those five guys in a Gauntlet Match next week to earn a WWE Title match at WrestleMania.
The five heels went down to the ring, but the New Day guys cleaned house and cleared them from the ring. The announcers talked about how unfair it will be with Saxton saying that Kingston got screwed again. Kingston hit a Trouble in Paradise kick on Cesaro to end the show.

Next week: Kofi Kingston vs. Randy Orton, Samoa Joe, Sheamus, Cesaro and Rowan in a Gauntlet Match.Analysis: It took a while to get there, but they set up next week’s main event well with Vince McMahon putting a 5-man heel roadblock in front of Kingston in order for Kofi to earn his WWE Title shot at WrestleMania. I thought the promos from Big E and Woods were great. Vince fired back with typical comments from him when he’s trying to build up a face by saying that they are not worthy. In fact, the B+ player thing is the same thing they said about Daniel Bryan five years ago, so it was interesting that Vince said that Bryan said it. It's a nice ode to history there. Kofi spoke with a lot of passion, he mentioned the crowd when he needed to and he came across as a likable family man that just wants a chance at the WWE Title. It’s obvious that Kingston is going to get that WWE Title match at Bryan and I think that Gauntlet Match is an interesting way to set things up. I’m not sure how they are going to book it, but I think it’s smart to announce a big match one week in advance.

Final Thoughts
I give this week’s Smackdown a 7 out of 10.
This week was a bit of a step back from the last few weeks of Smackdown greatness, but I still enjoyed most of the show. The match quality wasn’t as good as we get on some weeks on Smackdown. Part of that was due to some of the matches going shorter than I would have liked. That’s going to happen during WrestleMania season where they need to spend time on promos since there were four long in-ring promo segments. I liked the Orton/Styles promo segment the most.